Serious workplace accident leaves 6 injured

Factory work can be a dangerous undertaking even when every employee follows every safety protocol. That point was brought home once again when a serious workplace accident left six steelworkers hurt, one of whom was classified as seriously injured. The plant is not located in Massachusetts, but workers in every state could potentially suffer injuries on the job.

The forceful explosion occurred for as yet unknown reasons earlier this month. Residents of the town have claimed that homes as far as five miles from the plant were shaken by the blast. The accident is said to have happened in the area of the plant that melts down metal to be poured into molds for other applications. Of the six employees who were affected by the accident, five were reportedly taken for treatment and later released from physicians’ care.

The sixth worker purportedly did not fare as well. The fire official on scene stated that the victim suffered burn injuries to approximately 80 percent of his body. He was transported to a medical facility that specializes in burn wound treatment. A company representative allegedly refuted the nature and severity of the man’s wounds, but she did not offer to elaborate on her claim.

The plant has been shut down for the time being until an investigation can be completed and the probable cause can be determined. The injured workers, however, may be off for an extended period of time depending on the severity of the injuries they suffered in this workplace accident. They will most likely qualify for workers’ compensation benefits while they are unable to work. This program helps provide financial assistance to employees who have been hurt or sickened on the job through no fault of their own. Massachusetts employees who may have questions concerning how to apply for the program or who may have encountered difficulties filing a claim can seek knowledgeable resources that could provide information that will answer their questions or help resolve their problems.

Source: Reuters, “Six steel workers injured after explosion at Tennessee plant“, Tim Ghianni, May 16, 2014